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Ferrero North America has broken ground on a new $214.4 million Kinder Bueno production site in Bloomington, Illinois. Plans for the facility were announced in June and, upon completion, will generate 200 new jobs, with the expansion marking the first time Kinder products will be made in North America. Alanna Cotton, president and chief business officer of Ferrero North America, said: “This investment will fuel our momentum in North America, a strategic growth area for Ferrero. Enhancing our manufacturing capabilities in the market is key to driving our innovation agenda.” The company’s North American footprint reaches more than 4,400 employees, in eight offices and 12 plants and warehouses in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. US Senator, Dick Durbin, said: “Ferrero's expansion here shows why Illinois is the hub of America's food and confection industry. Our incredible workers and world-class infrastructure are fueling innovation and growth. We thank Ferrero for making our state their chocolate manufacturing home in America – these investments are playing an important role in Illinois' continued economic success.” Bloomington Mayor, Mboka Mwilambwe, added: "This groundbreaking is a logical step in what has been a series of transformational investments by Ferrero in our community. Beyond providing jobs, Ferrero has been a wonderful community partner, supporting community events and organisations. We look forward to a prosperous future together." The new facility will increase Ferrero's existing manufacturing campus in Bloomington by 169,000 square feet and is expected to open in 2024. The company also plans to open a new innovation centre for its cookies, cones and crusts brand teams in Chicago in 2023.